 | Two complete concerts: Concert in Berlin April 14, 1953 Beethoven Symphony No. 8 in F Major Op.93 R. Strauss Till Eugenspiegels lustige Streiche Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major Op.92 Concert in Salzburg August 30, 1954 Beethoven Symphony No. 8 in F Major Op.93 Beethoven Grosse Fugue Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major Op.92 Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (Berlin) Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (Salzburg) $16 | |
These two concerts were the last times that Furtwängler conducted de Beethoven 7th and 8th Symphonies with the Berlin Philharmonic (Berlin concert) and Vienna Philharmonic (Salzburg concert). The 7th was the fifth work most conducted by him. Both are very good indeed. As usual, the Berlin Philharmonic is more muscular than the Vienna counterpart, but the Vienna orchestra still plays beautifully. I have always had problems with Furtwängler’s interpretation of the 8th. But here we have two versions with very good sound.
There was an additional work in each concert, played after the 8th before intermission. In Berlin, Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegel was played, always a Furtwängler specialty. Till was the second work most conducted by Furtwängler, after the Beethoven Fifth. In Salzburg we have a magnificent performance of the Grosse Fugue.
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